The dysfunctional board is often mired in petty politics and can't move the district forward, and it appears taxpayers' hard-earned dollars are not being properly administered. If left unresolved, the problems could impact future federal funding.

The district's financial problems, which include questionable hiring and training practices and a shrinking reserve fund, are detailed in a voluminous report produced by the Texas Association of School Business Officials, after a three-day onsite examination at South San, Express-News education writer Francisco Vara-Orta reported.

The troubling report outlines many areas that need immediate attention, yet it took more than three months for the document to reach the entire board after it was delivered to the district. Politics once again had priority. Instead of addressing the problems and establishing a plan of action, there were attempts to protect those who might be held responsible for deficiencies outlined in the report.

There is no logical explanation for campuses and departments not having access to the money in their budgets until weeks after the school year started. The district has a history of problems with the stewardship of public funds and has a long way to go to restore public confidence in that area.

Last year, the state billed the district $2.5 million for over-reporting attendance, and an outside auditor found the district lacked the proper protocols to ensure accountability for the $58 million bond issue approved by voters in 2010.

Just a few months ago, a former secretary in the athletic department was sent to prison on charges that she stole $22,420 from the district over a three-year period. An investigation found she was solely responsible for collecting and depositing athletic event revenues.

There are misplaced priorities in this district.

Instead of trying to micromanage the day-to-day activities, the school board needs to focus on setting policies that ensure that children in this district get the education they deserve and taxpayers get the best value for their money.